IoT NETWORK WITH BACNET COMMUNICATION FOR VARIOUS SENSORS IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS) PLATFORM

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems of monitoring and managing a facility including a plurality of end point devices. One system includes a first gateway device. The first gateway device includes a first electronic processor configured to receive fixture data from at least one electro-mechanical element of a fixture associated with the facility, the fixture data related to an operation of the fixture, and enable transmission of the fixture data to a remote device for virtual processing. The system also includes a second gateway device communicatively coupled with the first gateway device. The second gateway device includes a second electronic processor configured to receive, from the first gateway device, the processed fixture data. The second electronic processor configured to convert the processed fixture data pursuant to a networking protocol associated with a building management system and transmit the converted fixture data for display via a visual dashboard associated with the building management system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/328,654, filed on May 24, 2021, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments relate to various internet of things (“IoT”) sensoryproducts and cloud-purge for commercial building solutions utilizingLoRa to BACnet conversion for efficient data management and monitoring.

SUMMARY

In the field of facility or building management, there is a desire tomonitor performance of restroom fixtures, such as, for example, faucets,flush valves, hand dryers, floor drains, air or room quality sensors,backflow preventers, bottle fillers, pressure sensors, leak detectionsensors, occupancy detection sensors, resource dispensers (for example,a soap dispenser, a sanitizer dispenser, a room deodorizer dispenser, apaper tower dispenser), and the like. As one example, a building managermay want to monitor water usage or consumption for one or more restroomfacilities within the building. Such monitoring may be performed forpredictive maintenance, alerting, for collecting data on usage of therestroom(s), or the like. For example, monitoring may indicate thatthere is a certain percentage of life remaining for a flush valve (or acomponent of the flush valve) based on a rated life of flushes and anumber of flush operations performed by the flush valve. As anotherexample, monitoring may generate alerts, such as a low soap alert, abackflow discharge in progress alert, a drain clogged alert, and thelike.

The embodiments described herein enable water management and efficientoperation related data (for example, fixture data) to pass along to andintegrate with building management solutions (“BMS”) (including, forexample, BACnet servers, computing devices, and the like). For example,the embodiments described herein include an IoT architecture of fixtures(such as faucets, flush-vales, drains, and the like) that communicates(via end point devices and facility gateways) with a cloud network (forexample, a cloud server or the like). The cloud network may thentransmit the fixture data to a BACnet gateway device (for example,through LoRa WAN RF communication protocols). The BACnet gateway devicethen converts the fixture data and further transmits the data such thatthe data may be displayed on the BACnet visual dashboard designed byvarious BMS vendors.

Additionally, embodiments may provide cloud purge functionality thatprovides user interface functionality such that users may initiate (inreal-time) a device react or perform based on one or more commands. Asone example, when a user is assigned ownership of a device or watermanagement system in multiple buildings and floors, that user maycontrol various devices installed in any of the particular buildings orfloors by instructing one or more devices to act based on a groupcommand sent for that particular group. Based on that group command, theuser may make one or more devices turn on or off at any selected (forexample, prescheduled) time-interval. This provides a remote user of theproduct segment a great amount of flexibility and customizationcapabilities.

For example, one embodiment provides a system for converting fixturedata for building management solutions. The system includes a firstgateway device associated with a facility. The first gateway deviceincluding a first electronic processor configured to receive fixturedata from at least one electro-mechanical element of a fixtureassociated with the facility, the fixture data related to an operationof the fixture. The first electronic processor is also configured toenable transmission of the fixture data to a remote device for virtualprocessing. The system also includes a second gateway devicecommunicatively coupled with the first gateway device. The secondgateway device including a second electronic processor configured toreceive, from the first gateway device, the processed fixture data,wherein the processed fixture data includes an alert generated based onthe operation of the fixture. The second electronic processor is alsoconfigured to convert the processed fixture data pursuant to anetworking protocol associated with a building management system. Thesecond electronic processor is also configured to transmit the convertedfixture data for display via a visual dashboard associated with thebuilding management system, wherein the visual dashboard includes thealert generated based on the operation of the fixture.

Another embodiment provides a method for converting water managementdata for building management solutions. The method also includesreceiving, with a first electronic processor of a first gateway deviceassociated with a facility, fixture data from at least oneelectro-mechanical element of a fixture associated with the facility,the fixture data related to an operation of the fixture. The method alsoincludes enabling, with the first electronic processor of the firstgateway device, transmission of the fixture data to a remote device forvirtual processing. The method also includes receiving, with a secondelectronic processor of a second gateway device from the first gatewaydevice, the processed fixture data, wherein the processed fixture dataincludes an alert generated based on the operation of the fixture. Themethod also includes converting, with the second electronic processor ofthe second gateway device, the processed fixture data pursuant to anetworking protocol associated with a building management system. Themethod also includes transmitting, with the second electronic processorof the second gateway device, the converted fixture data for display viaa visual dashboard associated with the building management system,wherein the visual dashboard includes the alert generated based on theoperation of the fixture.

Yet another embodiment provides a non-transitory, computer-readablemedium storing instructions that, when executed by an electronicprocessor, perform a set of functions. The set of functions includesreceiving fixture data from at least one electro-mechanical element of afixture associated with the facility, the fixture data related to anoperation of the fixture. The set of functions also includestransmitting the fixture data to a remote device for virtual processing.The set of functions also includes receiving, from a first gatewaydevice associated with the facility to a second gateway deviceassociated with a building management system, the processed fixturedata, wherein the processed fixture data includes an alert generatedbased on the operation of the fixture. The set of functions alsoincludes converting the processed fixture data pursuant to a networkingprotocol associated with the building management system. The set offunctions also includes transmitting the converted fixture data fordisplay via a visual dashboard associated with the building managementsystem, wherein the visual dashboard includes the alert generated basedon the operation of the fixture.

Other aspects and embodiments will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system for monitoring and managing afacility having a plurality of end point devices according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an end point device included in thesystem of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a facility device included in thesystem of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a BACnet gateway device included in thesystem of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example software architectural diagram for theBACnet gateway device of FIG. 4 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example software diagram for the gatewayapplication performed by the BACnet gateway device according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating example functionality performed bythe gateway application according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example housing for the BACnet gateway deviceof FIG. 4 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring and managinga facility having a plurality of end point devices performed by thesystem of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates communication between components ofthe system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understoodthe embodiments are not limited in their application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the following drawings. Otherembodiments are possible and embodiments described and/or illustratedhere are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in variousways.

It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware and software-baseddevices, as well as a plurality of different structural components maybe used to implement the embodiments described herein. In addition,embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components ormodules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated anddescribed as if the majority of the components were implemented solelyin hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on areading of this detailed description, would recognize that, in at leastone embodiment, the electronic based aspects of the embodiments may beimplemented in software (for example, stored on non-transitorycomputer-readable medium) executable by one or more processors. As such,it should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software-baseddevices, as well as a plurality of different structural components maybe utilized to implement various embodiments. It should also beunderstood that although certain drawings illustrate hardware andsoftware located within particular devices, these depictions are forillustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, the illustratedcomponents may be combined or divided into separate software, firmwareand/or hardware. For example, instead of being located within andperformed by a single electronic processor, logic and processing may bedistributed among multiple electronic processors. Regardless of how theyare combined or divided, hardware and software components may be locatedon the same computing device or may be distributed among differentcomputing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitablecommunication links.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for monitoring and managing a facility(for example, a building or one or more rooms within a building)according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, the system100 includes a plurality of end point devices 105 (collectively referredto herein as “the end point devices 105” and individually as “an endpoint device 105”), a plurality of fixtures 107 (collectively referredto herein as “the fixtures 107” and individually as “a fixture 107”), afacility device 110 (for example, a gateway), a server 115 (for example,cloud server), a user device 120, a BACnet gateway device 122, and abuilding management system (“BMS”) 123. In some embodiments, the system100 includes fewer, additional, or different components than illustratedin FIG. 1 in various configurations. For example, the system 100 mayinclude multiple facility devices 110, servers 115, user devices 120,BACnet gateway devices 122, or a combination thereof. Additionally, thesystem 100 may include any number of end point devices 105 and/orfixtures 107 and the two end point devices and fixtures illustrated inFIG. 1 are purely for illustrative purposes. Also, in some embodiments,one or more of the components of the system 100 may be distributed amongmultiple devices, combined within a single device, or a combinationthereof. As one example, in some embodiments, one or more of the endpoint devices 105 may be incorporated within a fixture 107 as a singledevice. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the functionality described asbeing performed by the end point device 105 (or a portion thereof) maybe performed by a fixture 107 (including built-in or attached similarhardware and software components as the end point device 105).

The end point devices 105, the fixtures 107, the facility device 110,the server 115, the user device 120, the BACnet gateway device 122, andthe BMS 123 communicate over one or more wired or wireless communicationnetworks 140. Portions of the communication networks 140 may beimplemented using a wide area network (“WAN”), such as the Internet or aLoRa system, a local area network (“LAN”), such as a Bluetooth™ networkor Wi-Fi, and combinations or derivatives thereof. Accordingly,components of the system 100 may be configured to communicate viaBluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LTE/Cellular, wired ethernet, RS485/RS232, orthe like. As one example, the end point devices 105 may communicate viaLoRa with the facility device 110. Alternatively or in addition, in someembodiments, one or more components of the system 100 communicatedirectly as compared to through the communication network 140. Forexample, in some embodiments, the end point devices 105 communicatedirectly with the facility device 110. Also, in some embodiments, thecomponents of the system 100 communicate through one or moreintermediary devices not illustrated in FIG. 1.

Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more components of the system100 communicate using LoRa or LoRaWAN networking protocols (for example,the end point device 105 and the facility device 110). Using suchnetworking protocols provides for secure, encrypted communication ofdata without use of a customer or building network. Accordingly, use ofsuch networking protocols may completely isolate an end point device 105(or other component of the system 100) from a customer or buildingnetwork.

A fixture 107 may include, for example, a faucet, a flushometer, a flushvalve, a soap dispenser, a handwashing system, a water service linemonitor, a backflow preventer, a floor drain, a hand dryer, a pressuresensor, a water use sensor, a flow sensor, a valve sensor, a lavatory, atoilet, a urinal, a water closet, a bottle and glass filler, a drain(for example, a sink drain, a roof drain and/or floor drain network, orthe like), a drinking water fountain, an air quality monitor, an air orroom quality sensor (for example, may include a service request orproduct replenishment request button or other suitable activator), abackflow preventer, a leak detection sensor, an occupancy detectionsensor, a resource dispenser (for example, a soap dispenser, a sanitizerdispenser, a room deodorizer dispenser, a paper tower dispenser), a fireprotection device or fixture (for example, a smart fire protectiondevice or fixture), a waste receptacle (for example, a garbage can orbin), a door handle, a thermal mixing valve, a contamination monitor(for example, a legionella contamination sensor), and the like.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 provides a watermanagement solution, a building maintenance solution, a buildingoperation solution, a building management solution, or a combinationthereof.

As seen in FIG. 1, each of the fixtures 107 is associated with one ormore electro-mechanical (“EM”) elements 125. The EM elements 125 areconfigured to monitor and/or influence the operation of the fixture 107.An EM element 125 may include, but is not limited to, an actuator, aflow sensor, a position sensor, a proximity sensor, a thermocouple, andthe like. It is contemplated that the EM elements 125 may include anelectrical only element, a mechanical only element, or a combination ofan electrical and a mechanical element(s). The EM elements 125 mayinclude a single-piece component or multiple components.

As one example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is a faucet havinga sensor (for example, as a first EM element 125) configured to detectthe presence of a person within a specified zone. When the sensor istriggered (for example, by detecting the presence of a person), thesensor sends an “ON” signal to an actuator (as a second EM element 125)(for example, a valve actuating solenoid) thereby allowing water toselectively flow through the faucet. When the sensor is no longertriggered (for example, by detecting the absence of a person), thesensor sends an “OFF” signal to the actuator to stop water flow throughthe faucet. In some embodiments, the actuator is configured to maintainthe faucet in an open position for a predetermined period of time inresponse to receiving an “ON” signal. In such embodiments, thepredetermined period of time may be set by a user or facility entityvia, for example, the facility device 110, the user device 120, anothercomponent of the system 100, or a combination thereof.

As another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is a flushvalve having a sensor (for example, as a first EM element 125)configured to detect the presence of a person within a specified zone.When the sensor is triggered (for example, by detecting the presence ofa person), the sensor sends an “ON” signal to the actuator (as a secondEM element 125) (for example, a valve actuating solenoid) to actuate avalve and initiate a flow of water for a flushing event. The flush valvewill then remain open for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5seconds, 10 seconds, and the like) at least partially dependent upon anoperating parameter set by the user via, for example, the facilitydevice 110, the user device 120, another component of the system 100, ora combination thereof.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is aresource dispenser (such as a soap dispenser, a hand towel dispenser,and the like) having a sensor (for example, as a first EM element 125)configured to detect the presence of a person within a specified zone.When the sensor is triggered (for example, by the hands of a person),the sensor sends an “ON” signal to an actuator (for example, as a secondEM element 125) to trigger a resource dispensing event (for example,actuation of a gear, a valve, or solenoid, and the like to initiatedispensing of a resource). The resource dispenser is configured to allowa predetermined volume or amount of a resource to be dispensed for eachactivation. In such embodiments, the volume or amount or timing of aresource to be dispensed may be set and adjusted by the user via, forexample, the facility device 110, the user device 120, another componentof the system 100, or a combination thereof.

The resource dispenser may also include a second sensor (for example, asa third EM element 125) to monitor the level or amount of resourceremaining in a reservoir or receptacle. In some embodiments, the secondsensor detects a current level or amount of resource in the reservoir orreceptacle at a given moment in time. Alternatively or in addition, thesecond sensor may detect when the resource falls below a predeterminedamount or level.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is a waterservice line monitor. The water service line monitor includes a sensor(for example, as a first EM element 125) configured to be retrofit ontoan existing water service line and is configured to monitor theflow-rate of water therethrough, the presence of a backflow event, or acombination thereof. More specifically, the sensor may be configured todetect a flow rate, a presence of a backflow event, and the like.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is acontamination monitor. The contamination monitor includes a sensor (forexample, as a first EM element 125) for detecting contamination of awater supply, such as legionella contamination, microorganismcontamination, nitrate and nitrite contamination, and the like.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect theexistence of a contaminant, a contamination level, or a combinationthereof. A contaminant may include, for example, lead, copper, chlorine,arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, mercury, microorganism(s) (for example,bacteria, viruses, parasites, and the like), and the like. In someembodiments, the sensor is configured to be retrofit onto an existingwater service line (for example, in a water pipe, at a water valve, orthe like). As one example, the sensor may be a legionella contaminationsensor configured to detect the existence of and a contamination levelof legionella of water in a water service line.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is athermal mixing valve (for example, a thermostatic mixing valve) having afirst valve (for example, a first EM element 125) associated with a hotwater input, a second valve (for example, a second EM element 125)associated with cold water input, and at least one valve actuator (forexample, a third EM element 125). The at least one valve actuator is amechanism that receives a temperature input or control (for example,from a user of a faucet associated with the thermal mixing valve). Avalve actuator may include, for example, a faucet handle, a temperaturedial, or another type of temperature input mechanism. When the thermalmixing valve is associated with a faucet and the faucet is “ON” (i.e.,water is flowing), a user of the faucet may provide a temperature inputor control via the at least one valve actuator. Based on the temperatureinput or control, the first valve, the second valve, or a combinationthereof are actuated such that the temperature input or control providedby the user is applied to the water flowing through the faucet.

In some embodiments, the thermal temperature valve is also associatedwith a temperature sensor (for example, a fourth EM element 125)configured to detect and monitor a temperature associated with waterflowing through the faucet, a temperature associated with a temperatureinput or control provided via the valve actuator, or a combinationthereof. For example, the temperature sensor may detect a temperatureassociated with water flowing through the faucet such that thetemperature may be monitored in comparison to a temperature threshold orrange. As one example, when the temperature detected by the sensor isoutside of a temperature range (for example, too hot or too cold) awarning or alert may be issued. When the temperature exceeds thetemperature range or threshold, the warning or alert may indicate ascalding condition where the water flowing through the faucet is toohot. When the temperature is below the temperature range or threshold,the warning or alert may indicate a cold-water condition where the waterflowing through the faucet is too cold, which may indicate a fault witha hot water heater or heating system of a building.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is an airquality monitor having an air quality sensor (for example, as a first EMelement 125) configured to detect and monitor an air conditionassociated with a facility. In some embodiments, the air quality sensorcollects data associated with a facility such that the facility may bemonitored for indoor air pollutants. An indoor air pollutant mayinclude, for example, carbon monoxide (CO), radon, nitrogen dioxide(NO2), secondhand smoke, lead particles, mold, and the like.Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the air qualitymonitor includes an alert mechanism (for example, as a second EM element125) that provides or generates an audible alert, a visual alert,another type of alert, or a combination thereof. The alert mechanism mayinclude, for example, a speaker for generating an audible alert, an LEDor other display device for generating a visual alert, or the like.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is a doorhandle. The door handle may be associated with a door, such as, forexample, a bathroom stall door, a family bathroom door, a door of afacility as a whole, or the like. The door handle may have a sensor (forexample, as a first EM element 125) configured to monitor or detect useof the door associated with the door handle. As one example, the sensormay detect an occupancy of a family bathroom by monitoring the openingand closing of the door handle. As another example, the sensor maydetect an overall use of a specific bathroom stall based on how oftenthe door handle associated with that specific bathroom stall is openedand closed within a predetermined period of time, such as a 24 hourperiod, a hour period, a week, and the like.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is a fireprotection device (such as a fire suppression device, a smoke detector,a sprinkler, and the like) having a sensor (for example, as a first EMelement 125) configured to monitor an environment for the presence of afire condition (such as smoke). When the sensor is triggered (forexample, by detecting the presence of a fire condition), the sensorsends an “ON” signal to the actuator (as a second EM element 125) (forexample, a valve actuating solenoid) to actuate a valve and initiate arelease of a fire suppressing agent, such as water. The valve may thenremain open for a predetermined period of time at least partiallydependent upon an operating parameter set by the user via, for example,the facility device 110, the user device 120, another component of thesystem 100, or a combination thereof. Alternatively or in addition, thevalve may remain open until receipt of a manual shut off signal (forexample, from a fire fighter) via, for example, the facility device 110,the user device 120, another component of the system 100, or acombination thereof. Alternatively or in addition, the valve may remainopen until the sensor is no longer triggered (for example, when thepresence of the fire condition is no longer detected). For example, whenthe sensor is no longer triggered (for example, by detecting the absenceof a fire condition), the sensor sends an “OFF” signal to the actuatorto stop the release of the fire suppressing agent.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the sensor isconfigured to detect an operational status of the fire protectiondevice. As one example, an operational status of the fire protectiondevice may be “operational” when the fire protection device is operatingas expected or designed. As another example, an operational status ofthe fire protection device may be “not operational” when the fireprotection device is not operating as expected or designed. As yetanother example, the operational status of the fire protection device mebe “in need of service” when the fire protection device is in need ofservice. In some embodiments, the sensor detects (or checks) theoperational status of the fire protection device according to apredetermined schedule, such as every week, every day, every month, orthe like.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is a wastereceptacle (such as a trash or garbage can, a waste disposal container,a sanitary napkin disposal receptacle, a biohazard or medical wastedisposal receptacle, and the like) having a sensor (for example, as afirst EM element 125) configured to monitor the level or amount of wastein a reservoir or receptacle. In some embodiments, the sensor detects acurrent level or amount of waste in the container or receptacle at agiven moment in time. Alternatively or in addition, the sensor isconfigured to monitor or detect a usage of the waste receptacle (forexample, how many times the waste receptacle is used). As one example,the sensor is configured to count the number of times a lid of the wastereceptacle is opened (or triggered to open via, for example, afoot-pedal). As another example, the sensor is configured to count howmany times waste is deposited into the waste receptacle (for example,via motion sensing).

As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fixture 107 is a drain(such as a sink drain, a roof drain, a floor drain, or the like) havinga sensor (for example, as a first EM element 125) configured to monitoran amount of water flowing through the drain. As one example, where thedrain is a sink drain, the sensor may monitor an amount of water flowingthrough the sink drain, such that a usage of a sink associated with thesink drain may be monitored, a run-on condition of a faucet associatedwith the sink drain may be detected, and the like. As another example,where the drain is a floor drain, the sensor may monitor an amount ofwater flowing through the floor drain such that a usage of a showerstall associated with the floor drain may be monitored, an over-flowcondition or leak condition of another fixture (such as a facet, atoilet, or the like) may be detected, and the like. As yet anotherexample, where the drain is a roof drain, the sensor may monitor anamount of water flowing through the floor drain such that usage of theroof drain may be monitored, which may ultimately be used to, forexample, determine maintenance needs, predict remaining life cycle ofthe roof drain, and the like. As yet another example, where the drain isa roof drain, the sensor may monitor a flow rate of water flowingthrough the roof drain in comparison to other roof drains. For example,when two roof drains are experiencing a heavy water flow while a thirdroof drain (proximate to the two roof drains) is experiencing little tono water flow, the third roof drain may be clogged or obstructed (suchas by leaves or other debris). Accordingly, in some embodiments, thesystem 100 may include a network of fixtures, such as a first fixture, asecond fixture, and the like (for example, a network of roof drains).

As seen in FIG. 1, an end point device 105 generally includes acommunication link with at least one fixture 107. The end point devices105 may span multiple facilities, locations, rooms, and the like. Insome embodiments, each of the end point devices 105 are associated with(located within) the same facility (for example, a restroom facility).However, in other embodiments, the end point devices 105 are associatedwith multiple facilities. As one example, a first end point device maybe associated with a first facility and a second end point device may beassociated with a second different facility that is either in the samebuilding as the first facility or in an entirely different building.Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, each of the end pointdevices 105 is associated with the same type of restroom fixture (forexample, the fixture 107). However, in other embodiments, the end pointdevices 105 are associated with multiple different types of restroomfixtures (for example, the fixture 107). As one example, a first endpoint device may be associated with a faucet (as a first fixture 107)and a second end point device may be associated with a soap dispenser(as a second fixture 107).

FIG. 2 illustrates an end point device 105 according to someembodiments. In the illustrated example, the end point device 105includes an electronic processor 200, a memory 205, a communicationinterface 210, and an energy source 220. The electronic processor 200,the memory 205, the communication interface 210, and the energy source220 communicate wirelessly, over one or more communication lines orbuses, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or morecomponents of the end point device 105 may be distributed among multipledevices, integrated into a single device, or a combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the end point device 105 may perform additionalfunctionality other than the functionality described herein. In someembodiments, the end point device 105 may include additional, different,or fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 2 in variousconfigurations. As one example, in some embodiments, the end pointdevice 105 includes multiple energy sources 220. As another example, insome embodiments, the end point device 105 includes one or moreexpansion ports allowing for future expansion of the end point device105. As one example, additional electro-mechanical (EM) elements of afixture 107 may be connected to the end point device 105 via the one ormore of the expansion ports.

The communication interface 210 allows the end point device 105 tocommunicate with devices external to the end point device 105. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the end point device 105 maycommunicate with the fixture 107 (or an EM element 125 thereof), thefacility device 110, the server 115, the user device 120, the BACnetgateway device 122, the BMS 123, or a combination thereof through thecommunication interface 210. The communication interface 210 may includea port for receiving a wired connection to an external device (forexample, a universal serial bus (“USB”) cable and the like), atransceiver for establishing a wireless connection to an external device(for example, over one or more communication networks 140, such as theInternet, LAN, a WAN, such as a LoRa network or system, and the like),or a combination thereof. As one example, in some embodiments, thecommunication interface 210 includes a port for receiving a wiredconnection between the facility device 110 and an EM element 125 of acorresponding fixture 107. As another example, in some embodiments, thecommunication interface 210 includes a radio or transceiver forestablishing a wireless connection, over a LoRa system or network,between the end point device 105 and the facility device 110.

The electronic processor 200 includes a microprocessor, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or another suitableelectronic device for processing data, and the memory 205 includes anon-transitory, computer-readable storage medium. The electronicprocessor 200 is configured to access and execute computer-readableinstructions (“software”) stored in the memory 205. The software mayinclude firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters,rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions.For example, the software may include instructions and associated datafor performing a set of functions, including the methods describedherein. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic processor 200is configured to enable management and/or monitoring of the operation ofthe corresponding fixture 107 either directly or indirectly (forexample, via the EM element(s) 125 of the corresponding fixture 107). Insome embodiments, the electronic processor 200 enables management and/ormonitoring of the operation of a corresponding fixture 107 by receivingfixture data from the fixtures 107, converting the fixture data fortransmission, and enabling transmission of the converted data to, forexample, the facility device 110, the server 115, the user device 120,the BACnet gateway device 122, another component of the system 100, or acombination thereof.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the electronic processor 200 isconfigured to interact with and collect data regarding an operation of afixture 107 (as fixture data) via the EM elements 215 either directly orindirectly. In some embodiments, the end point device 105 is configuredto remain in a sleep mode (or deep sleep mode) until an action oroperation is detected with respect to a fixture 107 associated with theend point device 105 (for example, detecting the presence of a user). Inresponse to detecting the action or operation, the end point device 105may then wake-up to receive fixture data, convert the fixture data fortransmission, and transmit the fixture data (in a minimum powerconsumption mode) to, for example, the facility device 110, the server115, the user device 120, another component of the system 100, or acombination thereof. This results in optimized battery life for theproduct. As one example, in some embodiments, when the end point device105 transmits the converted fixture data (for example, as one or moredata packets) to the facility device 110, the transmission may occurthrough adaptable data rate, which automatically selects the most easilyavailable channel such that the right channel does not have to besearched for, which further aids in the optimization of power.

As seen in FIG. 2, the end point device 105 also includes the energysource 220. The energy source 220 powers one or more components of theend point device 105, such as the electronic processor 200. The energysource 220 may be a battery, such as an energy efficient battery, are-chargeable battery, a lithium-ion battery, a replaceable battery, orthe like. As one example, the energy source 220 is a standard battery(for example, AAA, AA, C, D sized batteries). As noted above, in someembodiments, the end point device 105 includes multiple energy sources220 (for example, a first energy source, a second energy source, and thelike). In such embodiments, the multiple energy sources 220 may be ofthe same type, different types, or a combination thereof. As oneexample, the end point device 105 may include three AA batteries as theenergy sources 220. Alternatively or in addition, the end point device105 may be coupled to and receive power from a power source associatedwith the facility, the building, another component, or the like.

In some embodiments, one or more components of the system 100 mayalready be present in a completed fixture 107 (for example, a proximitysensor and an actuator in an automated faucet). In such embodiments,additional components may be retro-fit onto the existing fixture 107.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the end point device 105 (orcomponents thereof) may be retro-fit onto or into the existing fixture107. As one example, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, or acombination thereof (as part of the communication interface 210), theelectronic processor 200, the energy source 220, or a combinationthereof may be mounted in the plumbing immediately upstream of aparticular fixture 107. In other examples, the retro-fit may includeupdating firmware in the already existing device. In still otherexamples, the retro-fit may include integrating elements into apreviously existing fixture 107.

FIG. 3 illustrates the facility device 110 according to someembodiments. In the illustrated example, the facility device 110includes a facility electronic processor 300, a facility memory 305, anda facility communication interface 310. The facility electronicprocessor 300, the facility memory 305, and the facility communicationinterface 310 communicate wirelessly, over one or more communicationlines or buses, or a combination thereof. The facility device 110 mayinclude additional, different, or fewer components than thoseillustrated in FIG. 3 in various configurations. For example, in someembodiments, the facility device 110 includes a human-machine interfacefor interacting with a user. The human machine interface may include oneor more input devices, one or more output devices, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, one or more components of the facilitydevice 110 may be distributed among multiple devices, integrated into asingle device, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, thefacility device 110 may perform additional functionality other than thefunctionality described herein. Also, the functionality (or a portionthereof) described herein as being performed by the facility device 110may be distributed among multiple devices.

The facility communication interface 310 allows the facility device 110to communicate with devices external to the facility device 110. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the facility device 110 maycommunicate with the end point devices 105, the fixtures 107, the server115, the user device 120, the BACnet gateway device 122, or acombination thereof through the facility communication interface 310.The facility communication interface 310 may include a port forreceiving a wired connection to an external device (for example, a USBcable and the like), a transceiver for establishing a wirelessconnection to an external device (for example, over one or morecommunication networks 140, such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, such asa LoRa system, and the like), or a combination thereof.

The facility electronic processor 300 is configured to access andexecute computer-readable instructions (“software”) stored in thefacility memory 305. The software may include firmware, one or moreapplications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules,and other executable instructions. For example, the software may includeinstructions and associated data for performing a set of functions,including the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the facility device 110 serves as a gateway orintermediary device that receives data and forwards the data to anothercomponent for processing. As one example, in some embodiments, thefacility device 110 receives fixture data from the electronic processors200 of one or more of the end point devices 105 and forwards thecollected data to another component for processing, such as the server115, the user device 120, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the facility device 110 forwards the data to a remoteserver (for example, the server 115) for virtual processing. As anotherexample, in some embodiments the facility device 110 receives processeddata (for example, fixture data processed by the server 115) from aremote server (for example, the server 115) and forwards the processeddata to another component, such as the BACnet gateway device 122, forfurther processing, such as converting the processed data from LoRa toBACnet (as described in greater detail below). As noted above, in someembodiments, the functionality (or a portion thereof) described as beingperformed by the facility device 110 may be performed by another remotedevice or server (not shown).

Returning to FIG. 1, the server 115 and the user device 120 arecomputing devices, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, atablet computer, a terminal, a smart telephone, a smart television, asmart wearable, or another suitable computing device that interfaceswith a user. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the server 115 and theuser device 120 may include similar components as the facility device110, such as an electronic processor (for example, a microprocessor, anASIC, or another suitable electronic device), a memory (for example, anon-transitory, computer-readable storage medium), a communicationinterface, such as a transceiver, for communicating over thecommunication network 140 and, optionally, one or more additionalcommunication networks or connections, and one or more human machineinterfaces.

In some embodiments, the server 115 may include multiple electronicprocessors, multiple memory modules, multiple communication interfaces,or a combination thereof. Also, it should be understood that thefunctionality described herein as being performed by the server 115 maybe performed in a distributed nature by a plurality of computing devices(or servers) located in various geographic locations. For example, thefunctionality described herein as being performed by the server 115 maybe performed by a plurality of computing devices included in a cloudcomputing environment.

The server 115 is configured to monitor and manage one or morefacilities (for example, individual restrooms or entire buildings),including the fixtures 107 therein. In some embodiments, the server 115(via an electronic processor of the server 115) may receive fixture datafrom the facility device 110. In response to receiving the fixture data,the server 115 may process the fixture data in order to determine usageinformation or patterns associated with the one or more facilities,including the fixtures 107 thereof. The server 115 may store the usageinformation or patterns in, for example, a memory of the server 115.Alternatively or in addition, the server 115 may transmit the usageinformation or patterns to a remote device for storage.

A user may interact with and access data associated with one or morefacilities, such as one or more of the fixtures 107 therein (forexample, the usage information or patterns determined by the server115). The user device 120 may be used by an end user, such as a facilityentity, to monitor and manage a facility (a single restroom or multiplerestrooms in a building), a building, one or more fixtures 107 of afacility and/or building, or a combination thereof. For example, a usermay access and interact with the data determined by the server 115 toview and understand usage patterns, which may allow a facility entity ormaintainer insights into, for example, how to optimize cleaning andmaintenance schedules, whether there is a need for additionalfacilities, end point devices, or a combination thereof. For example, tocommunicate with the server 115 (i.e., the usage information or patternsdetermined by the server 115), the user device 120 may store a browserapplication or a dedicated software application executable by anelectronic processor for interacting with the server 115.

The BMS 123 is a building management system (or building automationsystem) associated with a building (or structure), one or morefacilities within the building, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the BMS 123 may be associated with multiple buildings orstructures associated with a single location (for example, an airportcampus, a corporation's campus, a university or educational campus, orthe like). However, in other embodiments, the BMS 123 is associated withmultiple buildings or structures associated with multiple relatedlocations. The BMS 123 may be a computer-based control system thatcontrols and monitors mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, andthe like associated with a building (or structure). As one example, theBMS 123 may include ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems,security systems, and the like. The BMS 123, including the sub-systemsincluded therein, communicate via BACnet communication protocol(s). Asnoted above, in some embodiments, the BMS 123 may be associated with oneor more particular vendors. As one example, the BMS 123 may include aventilation system associated with “Vendor A” and a security systemassociated with “Vendor B.” In some embodiments, data associated withthe BMS 123 may be accessible to a user via a vendor specific dashboard(for example, a BMS dashboard), such as a browser application ordedicated software application designed by a particular vendor.

As seen in FIG. 1, the BMS 123 may communicate with one or morecomponents of the system 100 via the BACnet gateway device 122. As seenin FIG. 4, the BACnet gateway device 122 includes a BACnet electronicprocessor 400, a BACnet memory 405, and a BACnet communication interface410. The BACnet electronic processor 400, the BACnet memory 405, and theBACnet communication interface 410 communicate wirelessly, over one ormore communication lines or buses, or a combination thereof. The BACnetgateway device 122 may include additional, different, or fewercomponents than those illustrated in FIG. 4 in various configurations.For example, in some embodiments, the BACnet gateway device 122 includesa human-machine interface for interacting with a user. The human machineinterface may include one or more input devices, one or more outputdevices, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or morecomponents of the BACnet gateway device 122 may be distributed amongmultiple devices, integrated into a single device, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the BACnet gateway device 122 may performadditional functionality other than the functionality described herein.Also, the functionality (or a portion thereof) described herein as beingperformed by the BACnet gateway device 122 may be distributed amongmultiple devices.

The BACnet communication interface 410 allows the BACnet gateway device122 to communicate with devices external to the BACnet gateway device122. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the BACnet gateway device122 may communicate with the end point devices 105, the fixtures 107,the server 115, the user device 120, the BMS 123, or a combinationthereof through the BACnet communication interface 410. The BACnetcommunication interface 410 may include a port for receiving a wiredconnection to an external device (for example, a USB cable and thelike), a transceiver for establishing a wireless connection to anexternal device (for example, over one or more communication networks140, such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, such as a LoRa system, and thelike), or a combination thereof.

The BACnet electronic processor 400 is configured to access and executecomputer-readable instructions (“software”) stored in the BACnet memory405. The software may include firmware, one or more applications,program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and otherexecutable instructions. For example, the software may includeinstructions and associated data for performing a set of functions,including the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the BACnet gateway device 122 serves as a gatewayor intermediary device that receives data and forwards the data toanother component for processing. As one example, in some embodiments,the BACnet gateway device 122 receives processed fixture data (asprocessed by the server 115) from the facility device 110 and convertsthe processed fixture data to a communication protocol, such as a BACnetcommunication protocol, associated with the BMS 123 (for example, fromLoRa to BACnet). After converting the processed fixture data, the BACnetgateway device 122 may forward the converted fixture data to the BMS 123(or another component of the system 100). In some embodiments, the BMS123 enables a user of the BMS 123 to access and interact with theconverted fixture data via the BMS dashboard, which may be specific toone or more vendors (as noted above). In some embodiments, the BACnetgateway device 122 may receive the processed fixture data from anothercomponent of the system 100, such as the server 110, the user device120, or the like. Accordingly, as one example, the BACnet gateway device122 may receive the processed fixture data directly from the server 110(post-processing of the fixture data by the server 110).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example software architectural diagram for theBACnet gateway device 122 according to some embodiments. As seen in FIG.5, the BACnet gateway device 122 executes or performs a gatewayapplication process (represented by reference numeral 505 in FIG. 5), aweb server application process (represented by reference numeral 510 inFIG. 5), or a combination thereof, which both access a database 515 (forexample, a lite weight database). In some embodiments, a web UIinterface is provided to a user (for example, via the user device 120).The web UI interface may be used to set, for example, networkparameters, BACnet stack configuration, LoRa to BACnet parametermapping, and the like. As seen in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, thegateway application process 505 is divided into three main parts: agateway application 520, a BACnet stack 525, and a LoRa Application 530.In some embodiments, the gateway application 520 reads configurationsettings from the database 515 (represented by reference numeral 535),initializes the BACnet stack 530 (represented by reference numeral 540),registers APIs for a LoRa callback handler (represented by referencenumeral 545), updating the BACnet stack 530 with a LoRa device, and thelike. In some embodiments, the LoRa application 525 initializes an RFmodule (represented by reference numeral 550), read parameters valuereceived from a LoRa gateway, such as the facility device 110(represented by reference numeral 555), initialize RPMSg communication(represented by reference numeral 560), send LoRa device parameters tothe BACnet stack 530, or the like. In some embodiments, the BACnet stack530 provides the software API(s) to update device parameter values,BACnet services over ethernet, and the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example software diagram for the gatewayapplication performed by the BACnet gateway device 122 according to someembodiments. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating example functionalityperformed by the gateway application according to some embodiments. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 6, the BACnet gateway applicationincludes a gateway application process, a web server process, a BACnetapplication thread, a LoRa application, and a debug log thread. In someembodiments, the gateway application process is the main processexecuted by the BACnet gateway device 122 upon power ON. The gatewayapplication process performs an IP acquisition function, BACnet stackinitialization function (as per the database and EEPROM settings), acreate thread function (for handling RPMSg communication, EEPROM readwrite operation, hardware switch functionality and RTC functionality), aprocess function (for the IPC commands for JSON file, update parameters,delete device, or the like), RPMSg communication with M4 core, EEPROMread and write operations (to store LoRa device parameters presentvalue), reset network settings to default when hardware switch ispressed (including, for example, run time adoption of network and DACdelstack settings, syncing RTC and system time with NTP, and the like). Theweb server process may perform Http client communication, writingparameters into the database, and the like. The BACnet applicationthread parses the data received over RPMsg channel from M4 and set intothe BACdel stack and the database. The LoRa application may run oncortex-M4 core. Alternatively or in addition, the LoRa application mayhandle LoRa RF communication and IPC using RPMsg framework, sendreceived data to A7, and the like. The debug log thread receives errorsfrom other modules and creates a debug log file (for example, when thedebug log file creation option is enabled). Alternatively or inaddition, the debug log thread generates logs upon errors as well asdebug/information logs based on the log level set.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example housing 800 for the BACnet gatewaydevice 122 according to some embodiments. As seen in FIGS. 8A-8B, insome embodiments, the BACnet gateway device 122 includes two Ethernetports with 10/100 mbps speed, one RS232 port, two USB 2.0 high-speedinterfaces. In some embodiments, the BACnet gateway device 122 includesa CPU model having an ARM cortex-A7 CPU with 2 cores and ARM cortex-M4with 1 cores, a CPU frequency of, for example, 1 GHz (A7), 200 MHz (M4),or the like, a 32-bit architecture, a RAM size of 1 GB (DDR3L), and aflash memory of 4 GB (eMMC NAND Flash). Alternatively or in addition, insome embodiments, with respect to communication interfaces, the BACnetgateway device 122 includes two ethernet ports one for web UI & BMS andanother reserved for future implementation(s). The BACnet gateway device122 may include two USB 2.0 High-Speed interfaces, one B type interfaceand two RS232 interface.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method 900 for monitoring andmanaging a facility according to some embodiments. The method 900 willbe described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 schematicallyillustrates communication between components of the system 100 accordingto some embodiments.

As seen in FIG. 9, the method 900 includes receiving fixture data fromat least one EM element 125 of the fixture 107 associated with thefacility (at block 905). As noted above, the EM elements 125 of thefixture 107 are configured to monitor and/or influence the operation ofthe fixture 107. Accordingly, in some embodiments the fixture data for aparticular fixture 107 is collected by the EM element(s) 125 associatedwith that particular fixture 107. As also noted above, there is acommunication link between the fixture 107 and the end point device 105.In some embodiments, the fixture data collected by the EM elements 125of the fixture 107 is transmitted to the end point device 105 via thecommunication link.

In some embodiments, the fixture data is converted pursuant to aspecific networking protocol consistent with a network connectionbetween one or more components of the system 100. For example, the endpoint device 105, the facility device 110, and the server 115 maycommunicate via LoRa networking or communication protocols. Accordingly,as one example, the electronic processor 200 of the end point device 105may convert the fixture data pursuant to LoRa networking protocols fortransmission over a LoRa connection between the end point device 105 andthe facility device 110. With reference to FIG. 10, in some embodiments,the fixture(s) 107 transmit “raw” fixture data to the end pointdevice(s) 105. In response to receiving the raw fixture data, the endpoint device(s) 105 convert the “raw” fixture data pursuant to aspecific networking protocol (in this example, a LoRa protocol).

As seen in FIG. 9, the method 900 also includes enabling transmission ofthe fixture data to a remote device for virtual processing (at block910). For example, in some embodiments, the electronic processor 200 ofthe end point device 105 transmits the LoRa converted fixture data forvirtual processing over a network associated with the networkingprotocol. As described above, the electronic processor 200 may transmitthe LoRa converted fixture data to the facility device 110 (as a gatewaydevice). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the end point device(s)105 transmit the LoRa converted fixture data to the facility device 110.In some embodiments, the end point device 105 (for example, theelectronic processor 200) maintains a backlog of data packets (forexample, the LoRa converted data) until a connection to, for example,the facility device 110 is available (for example, in the event that aconnection to the facility device 110 is temporarily unavailable). Thefacility device 110 may then forward the LoRa converted fixture data toa remote device, server, or database for virtual processing in thecloud, such as, for example, the server 115, the user device 120, or acombination thereof (as seen in FIG. 10). As one example, a user may usethe user device 120 (or another remote device) to access and interactwith the data. The user may view and interact with usage patterns, whichmay allow a facility entity or maintainer insights into, for example,how to optimize cleaning and maintenance schedules (for example, forpreventative or predicted maintenance), whether there is a need foradditional facilities, end point devices, or a combination thereof, andthe like. As noted above, in some embodiments, the server 115 isconfigured to monitoring and managing one or more facilities, includingthe fixtures 107 therein. In some embodiments, the server 115 (via anelectronic processor of the server 115) may receive fixture data (forexample, the LoRa converted fixture data) from the facility device 110.In response to receiving the fixture data, the server 115 may processthe fixture data in order to determine usage information or patternsassociated with the one or more facilities, including the fixtures 107thereof. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the server115 may monitor or track a battery or power level (for example, as abattery condition or characteristic) associated with the end pointdevice 105.

As one example, where the fixture 107 is a faucet, the server 115 mayanalyze the fixture data to monitor the communications between the EMelements 125 of a fixture 107 (for example, a sensor and an actuator) totrack, among other things, the number of “ON” and “OFF” signals (oractivations). Alternatively or in addition, the server 115 may analyzethe fixture data to detect the flow of water by monitoring temperaturedata from a temperature sensor (as an EM element 125 of the fixture 107)either positioned within the drain or the faucet itself. Alternativelyor in addition, the server 115 may analyze the fixture data to determinewhen a run-on condition has occurred in response to determine that apredetermined period of time set by a user is exceeded and the faucetdid not return to an “OFF” condition or water flow is still detected.Alternatively or in addition, the server 115 may analyze the fixturedata to calculate water usage indirectly based at least in part on aduration of time that the valve of the faucet remains open and anestimated water flow rate.

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is a flush valve, theserver 115 may analyze the fixture data to monitor a magnitude of avoltage and/or current supplied to the EM element 125 (for example, anactuator) of the fixture 107 to track when a flushing event has beeninitiated. Alternatively or in addition, the server 115 may analyze thefixture data to determine when an “ON” signal is provided (for example,a person is detected) but no corresponding movement of the valve occurs.In such instances, the server 115 may generate and provide an errorsignal such that an alert may be generated via, for example, thefacility device 110, the user device 120, another component of thesystem 100, or a combination thereof. Such faults may be detected bydetecting an elevated voltage or current rate (for example, motor isbound). Alternatively or in addition, the server 115 may analyze thefixture data to determine a length of time a person is detected usingthe fixture 107 on any given instance.

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is a resource dispenser,the server 115 may analyze the fixture data to monitor a magnitude of avoltage and/or current supplied to an EM element 125 (for example, anactuator) of a fixture 107 to track when a resource dispensing event hasoccurred. Alternatively or in addition, the server 115 may analyze thefixture data to monitor a level or amount of resource remaining in areservoir of the fixture 107. The server 115 may calculate an amount ofresource remaining in a reservoir of the fixture 107 by subtracting apredetermined volume or amount of resource discharged during a resourcedispensing event for each detected activation. In some embodiments, whenthe server 115 determines that a level or amount of resource remainingin a reservoir of the fixture 107 has fallen below a predeterminedamount or level, the server 115 may generate and provide an error signalsuch that an alert may be generated via, for example, the facilitydevice 110, the user device 120, another component of the system 100, ora combination thereof.

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is a contaminationmonitor, the server 115 may analyze the fixture data to detect apresence of a contaminant, determine a contamination level of thecontaminant, or a combination thereof. As one example, the server 115may analyze the fixture data to detect the presence of legionella and,in response to detecting the presence of legionella, determine acontamination level of legionella. In some embodiments, the server 115compares the contamination level to a predetermined contaminationthreshold. The predetermined contamination threshold may be set based atype of contaminant. For example, a first type of contaminant may becompared to a first threshold and a second type of contaminant may becompared to a second threshold different than the first threshold. Insome embodiments, the server 115 may generate an alert or warning (forexample, a contamination alert) based on the comparison of thecontamination level to the predetermined contamination threshold suchthat the alert may be generated via, for example, the facility device110, the user device 120, the BMS 123, another component of the system100, or a combination thereof. As one example, when the server 115determines that a contamination level exceeds a predeterminedcontamination threshold (such that the contamination level is at adangerous level), the server 115 may generate and provide an alertsignal such that an alert may be generated via the BMS 123 (such as adisplay device of the BMS 123).

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is a thermal mixing valve,the server 115 may analyze the fixture data to detect and monitor awater temperature (such as a water temperature associated with waterflowing through a faucet, a water temperature associated with atemperature input or control provided via a valve actuator (for example,a EM element 125), or a combination thereof). As one example, the server115 may analyze the fixture data to detect a temperature associated withwater flowing through a faucet such that the temperature may bemonitored in comparison to a temperature threshold or range. In someembodiments, the server 115 may generate an alert or warning (forexample, a temperature alert) based on the comparison of the temperatureto the temperature threshold or range. When the temperature detected bythe server 115 is outside of a temperature range (for example, too hotor too cold) a warning or alert may be issued. When the temperatureexceeds the temperature range or threshold, the warning or alert mayindicate a scalding condition where the water flowing through the faucetis too hot. When the temperature is below the temperature range orthreshold, the warning or alert may indicate a cold-water conditionwhere the water flowing through the faucet is too cold, which mayindicate a fault with a hot water heater or heating system of abuilding.

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is an air quality monitor,the server 115 may analyze the fixture data to detect and monitor an aircondition associated with, for example, a facility. In some embodiments,the server 115 may detect the presence of an indoor air pollutant, anindoor air pollutant level, or a combination thereof. As one example,the server 115 may detect the presence of carbon monoxide and, inresponse to detecting the presence of carbon monozide, determine anamount of carbon monoxide (for example, an indoor air pollutant levelassociated with the carbon monoxide). In some embodiments, the server115 compares the indoor air pollutant level to a predetermined indoorair pollutant threshold or range. Based on the comparison, the server115 may generate an alert or warning (for example, an indoor airpollutant alert). The indoor air pollutant alert may include, forexample, the presence of the indoor air pollutant, a facility with theindoor air pollutant (for example, a location of the facility), theindoor air pollutant level, a severity indication, and the like.

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is a door handle, theserver 115 may analyze the fixture data to monitor or detect use of adoor associated with the door handle. As one example, the server 115 maydetect an occupancy of a family bathroom by monitoring the opening andclosing of the door handle. As another example, the server 115 maydetect an overall use of a specific bathroom stall based on how oftenthe door handle associated with that specific bathroom stall is openedand closed within a predetermined period of time, such as a 24 hourperiod, a hour period, a week, and the like. As yet another example, thedoor handle may include a consumable, refillable plastic paper, whichmay have, for example, microbial protection. Such plastic paper isreleased by cartridges that require refill on a regular basis.Accordingly, the server 115 may detect when a cartridge is almost emptyand needs refilling and trigger an alert or warning.

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is a fire protectiondevice, the server 115 may analyze the fixture data to monitor anenvironment (or facility) for the presence of a fire condition (such assmoke), determine an operational status of the fire protection device,or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the server 115 generatesan alert or warning (for example, a fire alert) in response to detectingthe presence of a fire condition. As one example, when the server 115detects the presence of smoke in a facility, the server 115 may generatea fire alert associated with the facility. The fire alert may include,for example, the presence of the fire condition, an indication of whatthe fire condition is, a facility with the fire condition (for example,a location of the facility), a severity of the fire condition, anautomated action triggered in response to detecting the fire condition(for example, activation of a sprinkler system), a duration of theautomated action, a duration of the fire condition, a current status ofthe fire condition (for example, whether the fire condition isincreasing or decreasing), and the like. Alternatively or in addition,in some embodiments, the server 115 generates an alert or warning (forexample, a maintenance alert) based on an operational status of the fireprotection device. As one example, when the server 115 determines thatthe operational status for the fire protection device is “notoperational,” the server 115 may generate a maintenance alert indicatingthat the fire protection device is not operational.

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is a waste receptacle, theserver 115 may analyze the fixture data to monitor the level or amountof waste in the waste receptacle. In some embodiments, the server 115detects a current level or amount of waste in the container orreceptacle at a given moment in time. Alternatively or in addition, theserver 115 may monitor or detect a usage of the waste receptacle (forexample, how many times the waste receptacle is used). As one example,the server 115 may count (or determine) the number of times a lid of thewaste receptacle is opened (or triggered to open via, for example, afoot-pedal). As another example, the server 115 may count how many timeswaste is deposited into the waste receptacle (for example, via motionsensing). In some embodiments, the server 115 compares the amount ofwaste in the waste receptacle, the detected usage of the wastereceptacle, or a combination thereof to a waste threshold. In someembodiments, the server 115 generates an alert or warning (for example,a waste alert) based on the comparison. As one example, where the wastethreshold represents a maximum amount of waste for the waste receptacle,the server 115 may generate a waste alert that indicates a need to emptythe waste receptacle. As another example, where the waste thresholdrepresents a maximum usage amount for the waste receptacle, the server115 may generate a waste alert that indicates a need to empty the wastereceptacle.

As yet another example, where the fixture 107 is a drain, the server 115may analyze the fixture data to monitor an amount of water flowingthrough the drain. As one example, where the drain is a sink drain, theserver 115 may monitor an amount of water flowing through the sinkdrain, such that a usage of a sink associated with the sink drain may bemonitored, a run-on condition of a faucet associated with the sink drainmay be detected, and the like. As another example, where the drain is afloor drain, the server 115 may monitor an amount of water flowingthrough the floor drain such that a usage of a shower stall associatedwith the floor drain may be monitored, an over-flow condition or leakcondition of another fixture (such as a facet, a toilet, or the like)may be detected, and the like. As yet another example, where the drainis a roof drain, the server 115 may monitor an amount of water flowingthrough the floor drain such that usage of the roof drain may bemonitored, which may ultimately be used to, for example, determinemaintenance needs, predict remaining life cycle of the roof drain, andthe like. As yet another example, where the drain is a roof drain, theserver 115 may monitor a flow rate of water flowing through the roofdrain in comparison to other roof drains. In some embodiments, theserver 115 compares the analyzed fixture data to one or more waterthresholds or ranges. The server 115 may generate an alert or warning(for example, a water alert) based on the comparison of the analyzedfixture data to one or more water thresholds or ranges. The water alertmay indicate, for example, a need to service or perform maintenance on aroof drain, a run-on condition, an over-flow condition or leakcondition, an obstructed condition, and the like.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the battery life (for example, anenergy level or energy usage) may be monitored using various indicators,such as a graphical representation of a fuel gauge. Alternatively or inaddition, in some embodiments, the server 115 (an electronic processorthereof) may generate alerts and warnings in response to detecting apredetermined energy level, where the predetermined energy levelindicates an end of battery life scenario, an energy source replacementscenario, and the like. As one example, when the electronic processor ofthe server 115 detects a predetermined energy level indicating a lowenergy level, the electronic processor of the server 115 may generateand transmit a low energy level alert to a user of the user device 120(via, for example, a display device of the user device 120).

Returning to FIG. 9, the method 900 further includes receiving, from thefacility device 110 (for example, the first gateway device), theprocessed fixture data (at block 915). Processed fixture data mayinclude, for example, the insights, usage patterns, alerts, associateddata, or the like as determined by the server 115. As seen in FIG. 10,in some embodiments, after processing the LoRa converted fixture data,the server 115 may transmit the processed LoRa fixture data to thefacility device 110. In response to receiving the processed LoRa fixturedata, the facility device 110 may transmit (or forward) the processedLoRa fixture data to the BACnet gateway device 122. Alternatively or inaddition, in some embodiments, the server 115 may transmit the processedLoRa fixture data directly to the BACnet gateway device 122 (not shown).

In response to receiving the processed LoRa fixture data, the BACnetgateway device 122 converts the processed LoRa fixture data pursuant toa networking protocol associated with a building management solution orsystem (for example, the BMS 123) (at block 920). As noted above, theBMS 123, including the sub-systems included therein, communicate viaBACnet communication protocol(s). As noted above, in some embodiments,the BMS 123 may be associated with one or more particular vendors. Asone example, the BMS 123 may include a ventilation system associatedwith “Vendor A” and a security system associated with “Vendor B.” Insome embodiments, data associated with the BMS 123 may be accessible toa user via a vendor specific dashboard (for example, a BMS or visualdashboard), such as a browser application or dedicated softwareapplication designed by a particular vendor. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the BACnet gateway device 122 (via the BACnet electronicprocessor 400) converts the processed fixture data from a LoRa protocolto a BACnet protocol.

After converting the processed LoRa fixture data, the BACnet gatewaydevice 122 transmits the converted fixture data for display via a BMS orvisual dashboard associated with the BMS 123 (at block 925). As notedabove, in some embodiments, the converted fixture data includes one ormore alerts, such as a water alert, a waste alert, a fire alert, anindoor air pollutant alert, a temperature alert, a contamination alert,and the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the BACnet gatewaydevice 122 transmits the one or more alerts for display via the BMS orvisual dashboard associated with the BMS 123. For example, as seen inFIG. 10, the BACnet gateway device 122 may transmit the convertedfixture data (as BACnet converted fixture data) to the BMS 123 (or oneor more components therein).

Although not illustrated, the BMS 123 may include one or more computingdevices, servers, databases, or other devices. In some embodiments, theBMS 123 includes a computing device (similar to the user device 120). Insome embodiments, the computing device (or another component of the BMS123) integrates the BACnet converted fixture data with additional datafrom one or more building sub-systems included in the BMS 123. As oneexample, the computing device (or another component of the BMS 123)integrates the BACnet converted fixture data and the additional data asbuilding data, such that the building data may be displayed to a uservia, for example, a BMS or visual dashboard, such that a user may accessand interact with the building data. Accordingly, in some embodiments,the computing device (or another component of the BMS 123) may receive auser interaction with the BMS or visual dashboard, where the userinteraction is associated with the building data (or a portion thereof).Based on the received user interaction, the computing device (or anothercomponent of the BMS 123) may control one or more sub-systems includedin the BMS 123, fixtures 107, or the like. As one example, the computingdevice (or another component of the BMS 123) may generate and transmit,based on the user interaction, a control signal for controlling abuilding sub-system, one or more fixtures 107, or a combination thereof.

As one example, where the converted fixture data includes acontamination alert indicating the presence of contamination at aparticular contamination level, the BMS 123 may provide thecontamination alert to a user of the BMS 123 via a display device of theBMS 123 (i.e., the visual dashboard of the BMS 123). In response to thecontamination alert, the user may interact with the visual dashboard ofthe BMS 123 to initiate an action addressing the contamination alert. Asone example, the user may turn off a water service line associated withthe contamination.

As another example, where the converted fixture data includes an indoorair pollutant alert indicating the presence of an indoor air pollutantalert in a facility, the BMS 123 may provide the indoor air pollutantalert to a user of the BMS 123 via a display device of the BMS 123(i.e., the visual dashboard of the BMS 123). In response to the indoorair pollutant alert, the user may interact with the visual dashboard ofthe BMS 123 to initiate an action addressing the indoor air pollutantalert. As one example, where the indoor air pollutant alert indicated ahigh severity level, the user may “close” the facility with the presenceof the indoor air pollutant, such as by remotely locking a door to thefacility, triggering a visual status indicator for the facility (i.e., alight up closed sign), or the like. As another example, where the indoorair pollutant alert indicated a low severity level, the user mayschedule an indoor air pollutant evaluation or test by a testing entity.

Thus, the embodiments provide, among other things, to methods andsystems for monitoring and managing a facility having a plurality of endpoint device. Various features and advantages of certain embodiments areset forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for converting fixture data for buildingmanagement solutions, the system comprising: a fixture associated with afacility and comprising an electro-mechanical (EM) element; a remoteserver; and an end-point device communicably coupled to the EM elementand configured to: receive, from the EM element when an action or anoperation is detected, fixture data related to the action or theoperation of the fixture; convert the fixture data for transmissionpursuant to a first networking protocol consistent with a first networkconnection with a facility gateway; and provide, via the facilitygateway, the fixture data to the remote server, wherein the remoteserver is configured to: receive the fixture data from the end-pointdevice via the facility gateway; determine an environmental condition ofthe facility based on the fixture data; generate an alert based on thedetermined environmental condition exceeding a threshold; and provide,via a Building Automation and Control Network (BACnet) gateway, thealert to a building management system, wherein the BACnet gateway isconfigured to convert the alert pursuant to a second networking protocolconsistent with a second network connection with the building managementsystem.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the end-point device isfurther configured to: remain in a sleep mode until the action or theoperation of the fixture is detected via the EM element.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the second networking protocol is a BACnet protocol.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the alert is provided to the BACnetgateway via a Long Range (LoRa) protocol.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the remote server is further configured to: provide the fixturedata to the building management system via the BACnet gateway, whereinthe building management system is configured to: provide the alert via avisual dashboard configured to integrate, as building data, the fixturedata with additional data associated with a building sub-system.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the building sub-system includes aventilation system, a lighting system, a power system, a fire system, ora security system.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the buildingmanagement system is further configured to: receive, via the visualdashboard, a user interaction associated with the building data, andgenerate and transmit, based on the user interaction, a control signalassociated with at least the building sub-system or the fixture.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a thermal mixing valve, a fireprotection device, a drain, a contamination monitor, an air qualitymonitor, a door handle, or a waste receptacle.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the alert includes a contamination alert, a temperature alert,an indoor air pollutant alert, a fire alert, a waste alert, amaintenance alert, a water alert, or a low energy alert.
 10. The systemof claim 1, wherein the environmental condition comprises a scaldingcondition, a contamination condition, or a fire condition.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the end-point device is further configuredto: maintain a backlog of data packets comprising the fixture data untila connection of the facility gateway is available.
 12. Acomputer-implemented method for converting fixture data for buildingmanagement solutions, the method being executed by a processor andcomprising: receiving, from an electro-mechanical (EM) element, when anaction or an operation is detected, fixture data related to the actionor the operation of a fixture, wherein the fixture is associated with afacility and comprises the EM element; converting the fixture data fortransmission pursuant to a first networking protocol consistent with afirst network connection with a facility gateway; and providing, via thefacility gateway, the fixture data to a remote server configured toprovide, to a building management system, an alert generated based onthe fixture data.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:remaining in a sleep mode until the action or the operation of thefixture is detected via the EM element.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein the alert is generated based on an environmental condition ofthe facility determined according to the fixture data.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the alert is provided via a Building Automation andControl Network (BACnet) gateway configured to convert the alertpursuant to a second networking protocol consistent with a secondnetwork connection with the building management system.
 16. Acomputer-implemented method for converting fixture data for buildingmanagement solutions, the method being executed by a processor andcomprising: receiving, from an end-point device via a facility gateway,fixture data related to an action or an operation of a fixtureassociated with a facility, wherein the fixture data is converted fortransmission pursuant to a first networking protocol; determining anenvironmental condition of the facility based on the fixture data;generating an alert based on the determined environmental conditionexceeding a threshold; and providing, via a Building Automation andControl Network (BACnet) gateway, the alert to a building managementsystem, wherein the BACnet gateway is configured to convert the alertpursuant to a second networking protocol consistent with a secondnetwork connection with the building management system.
 17. The methodof claim 16, further comprising: providing the fixture data to thebuilding management system via the BACnet gateway, wherein the buildingmanagement system is configured to: provide the alert via a visualdashboard configured to integrate, as building data, the fixture datawith additional data associated with a building sub-system.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the building sub-system includes aventilation system, a lighting system, a power system, a fire system, ora security system.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the buildingmanagement system is further configured to: receive, via the visualdashboard, a user interaction associated with the building data, andgenerate and transmit, based on the user interaction, a control signalassociated with the building sub-system or the fixture.
 20. The methodof claim 16, wherein the environmental condition comprises a scaldingcondition, a contamination condition, or a fire condition.